Virtual Musgrave Medal awards ceremony set for Friday

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) will host its annual Musgrave Medal Award virtually on Friday, December 31, at 3 p.m. Ten distinguished Jamaicans who have done stellar work in their respective fields will receive awards for their contribution to literature, science and the arts.

The Musgrave Medals are given in the categories of Gold, Silver and Bronze and also includes a special youth category for outstanding youths ages 18-25 years.

The event will be broadcast on PBCJ and the IOJ’s YouTube channel.

Acclaimed violinist and music educator Steven Woodham and James ‘Jimmy’ Tucker, “Jamaica’s first singing sensation whose brilliance has endured for more than 60 years”, were earlier this year named among the recipients of the prestigious award. Woodham will be presented with a Gold Medal, while Tucker will receive the Silver Medal in the field of music.

OTHER GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENTS

The two other Gold Medals recipients are Professor Ishion Hutchinson in the field of literature, and Professor Mona Webber in the field of science.

Silver Medals will also be awarded to Professor Mark Harris in the field of science and Professor Shara McCallum in the field of literature.

Bronze Medals will be conferred on Veronica Blake-Carnegie in the field of literature, Fitzroy Russell in the field of art, and Hawthorne Watson for science.

This year’s youth category awardee is Sujae Hugh Boswell for excellence in youth advocacy and leadership.

Initially conceived in 1889 and named in memory of Sir Anthony Musgrave, the founder of the institute and the former governor of Jamaica who had died the previous year. The medal was the first to be awarded in the Western Hemisphere.

The 2020 ceremony was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.